Stop the attacks on drug war victims and their lawyers, end gender-based harassment
We will not be silenced. We stand with Atty. Krissy Conti, the victims, and all advocates demanding accountability for Duterte’s crimes against humanity.
March 19, 2025
NUPL
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers is a nationwide voluntary association of human rights lawyers in the Philippines, committed to the defense, protection, and promotion of human rights, especially of the poor and the oppressed.

We strongly denounce the orchestrated campaign of disinformation, harassment, and gender-based online violence targeting Atty. Krissy Conti, the families of drug war victims, and other human rights defenders. These attacks, driven by Duterte’s network of trolls and enablers, aim to silence those seeking justice and obstruct ongoing proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The wave of misogynistic threats and character assassination against Atty. Conti reflects a pattern of violence against women who speak truth to power. The same online hate is directed at widows, mothers, and daughters of drug war victims, attempting to intimidate them into silence. This coordinated effort to weaponize gender-based violence against women in the legal profession and human rights advocacy must end.

These relentless attacks further reinforce the argument that Duterte must be denied interim release. His history of inciting violence, fostering a culture of impunity, and encouraging targeted harassment proves he remains a threat to victims, witnesses, and those holding him accountable. Allowing his return to the Philippines would only embolden further reprisals and deepen the climate of fear. The ICC must ensure that all involved in the case against him—lawyers, witnesses, and victims—can speak and act without threat to their safety.

We call on the Philippine government to take decisive action in protecting human rights defenders from gender-based violence and ensuring the safety of those seeking justice. It must support the ICC’s investigation, rejoin the court, and take a stand for justice. The Philippines must break free from the legacy of impunity.

We will not be silenced. We stand with Atty. Krissy Conti, the victims, and all advocates demanding accountability for Duterte’s crimes against humanity.#

Reference:
Atty. Josalee S. Deinla
+639174316396

Photo: Courtesy of Bulatlat

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